Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I attend my designated Graduation Expo event, do I need to attend any make-up dates?No.

2. Will my picture appear in the Commencement program book if I take pictures on during the Graduation Expo?Yes.

3. I applied for graduation, but I have not received any information regarding any of the graduation activities, what do I need to do?Correspondences are sent regularly directly to all eligible graduates via your STU email address, which is the official mode of communication. If you have not activated your STU email account it is recommended that you do or you will not receive important graduation information. For your convenience all information is available on the STU web; click on the Students (www.stu.edu/students) link, then click on Commencement Services under the Resources for Students heading.

4. How can I obtain information regarding graduation activities?All information is available on the STU web; click on the Students (www.stu.edu/students) link, then click on Commencement Services under the Resources for Students heading.

5. Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?No, there is no cost for the cap and gown. All graduating students with plans of participating in the ceremony must order the appropriate cap and gown on during their designated Graduation Expo date or the make-up date. There will be no other opportunity to place cap and gown orders. You may keep your cap and gown.

6. I am a graduate student can I use my undergraduate cap and gown?No, the cap and gown for graduate students is different from those for undergraduate students.

7. I’m graduating with honors, when will I get my honor cord?Undergraduate honor students will receive their honor cord(s) when they receive their graduation packet. Graduate students do not receive honor cord(s). Graduate students will receive written notification regarding academic honors and honor cords from the Office of Records Management.

8. How many guests can I have at the graduation ceremony?Each graduating student will receive eight (8) tickets. Each guest must have an admission ticket for the ceremony.

9. Is it mandatory that I attend the Baccalaureate Mass?No, but we do encourage your attendance.

10. What if I or one of my guests have a disability that will require special accommodations?Pursuant to the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any student or student’s guest that will require special accommodations to participate in this event is asked to notify the Office of Student Affairs of their specific needs via e-mail at commencement@stu.edu. Notification must be received three weeks prior to the student’s scheduled commencement ceremony.

Designated seating for guests with handicap needs is limited. Only one individual may sit with the guest who has special needs. Your cooperation is required in order to accommodate all of our guests.

A sign-language interpreter will be provided during the Commencement ceremony. No request is needed for this service.

11. I missed the deadline to apply for the upcoming commencement; can I still apply?No, but you may apply for the following commencement ceremony.

12. Are the diplomas distributed during the commencement ceremony?No. The Office of Records Management will contact all graduating students via mail as to when diplomas will be available for pick-up or delivery.

13. Are caps and gowns required for the Baccalaureate Mass?Only the gown and hood (if applicable) should be worn over proper church attire for the Baccalaureate Mass.

14. What time should I arrive for Baccalaureate Mass?You should arrive at O’Malia Hall Breezeway for line up at 6:30pm.

15. What time must I arrive at the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership & Wellness for the graduation ceremony?December Graduates: 8:30am
May Graduates: 12:30pm

16. If I arrive late to the graduation ceremony, what should I do?A member of the graduation staff will direct graduates arriving late to the ceremony as to when they can join the ceremony.